Chapter 52 Fingers Severed

Chapter 52 Fingers Severed
Chapter 52

Warner's scream tore through the casino. "That's impossible!"

I watched him lunge forward, hands slamming against the gold table. The chips scattered across the green felt like his world falling apart.

"That's the reality, Warner." Julio spoke to his cousin, but his eyes stayed locked on me.

He knew. He knew Warner was asking the question burning in my own mind.

How did Julio win?

"I don't believe it! You cheated! You must have cards hidden somewhere!" Warner's voice cracked. He turned to the security guards. "Search him! Check his pockets! He's hiding cards!"

I stared at Warner. He looked like a madman. Wild eyes. Desperate voice. Completely unhinged.

We were the same. Both of us had lost everything.

A sharp crack pulled my attention to the dealer. He'd slammed his rake against the table. His expression was cold, dangerous.

"Every guest gets searched at the door. You know that." The dealer's voice was ice. "I shuffled these cards myself. Are you suggesting I cheated?"

Warner's face drained of color. The anger that had flushed his cheeks moments ago vanished, replaced by pure terror. His mouth opened and closed like a fish drowning in air.

Why was he so afraid of a dealer? Weren't dealers just staff? Paid employees serving the wealthy clients who gambled here?

I didn't understand.

Julio leaned close, his chin resting on my shoulder. His breath warmed my neck.

I tried to pull away instinctively, but his arm circled my waist like a steel band, pinning me to the chair.

"The dealer represents the house. The casino itself." Julio's voice carried that pleased tone that always meant trouble. "Accusing the house of cheating? The owner here doesn't forgive insults like that. Warner's screwed."

Security guards swarmed Warner before he could respond. Four men grabbed him, forcing him to his knees. They pressed his face against the gold-plated floor.

All Warner's earlier arrogance evaporated. His face went white as bone. He struggled against the guards' grip, his voice high and panicked.

"I didn't mean the dealer cheated! I didn't say that!"

My chest tightened watching him. Sympathy and dread mixed into something toxic in my stomach.

Warner and I had the same goal. We were allies without knowing it. His fate was my fate.

I was still sitting safely in my chair, but I could feel the cold floor against my knees. I could feel hands forcing my head down. That could be me down there. That would be me if Julio decided it should be.

I turned my head away. I couldn't watch what came next.

Julio grabbed my chin, his fingers digging into my jaw. He forced my face toward Warner.

"Ashley, you made this happen. You need to watch."

I struggled, but his grip was iron. My jaw ached under the pressure. I imagined the bone cracking, splintering under his fingers.

The dealer's voice cut through my panic. "Causing trouble in the casino. House rules say one finger."

My whole body started shaking. Fear crashed over me in waves. Horror. Pain. Every negative emotion collided inside my chest.

"No! Don't!" I screamed.

Julio pressed his lips against my ear. "Shh. Quiet, Ashley. No shouting in the casino. Just watch. Warner's paying for his arrogance."

Warner's screams filled the room. "No! Please! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

I screamed too. "Let me go! Let me go!"

Blood sprayed across the gold table. Warm droplets hit my face. My own fingers throbbed with phantom pain, as if the blade had cut through my flesh instead of Warner's.

"It's over, Ashley. All done."

Julio's lips found mine. His tongue pushed past my teeth, moving through my mouth with practiced ease.

I couldn't fight back. My body had shut down. I just sat there while he kissed me, his tongue exploring my mouth in slow, gentle strokes. So different from his usual aggressive kisses.

The pain had stolen my ability to respond. I let Julio guide me, accepting his kiss like some broken doll.

The fog in my brain slowly cleared. I became aware of wet sounds. Of Julio's hand sliding under my shirt, fingers working at my bra clasp.

I slapped him hard across the face.

"Your cousin just lost everything. They cut off his finger. And you're thinking about sex?" My voice shook with rage. "You really are heartless!"

The anger had been building since I realized Julio had won. He'd played me. Made me think I had a chance. Let me hope I could ruin him.

I was his entertainment. His joke.

And he'd forced me to watch Warner's punishment. Blood and screams and horror.

"Ashley, are you angry because you couldn't bankrupt me? Or because I'm heartless?" Julio's lips brushed my ear.

His voice was soft. Sweet. Like a lover whispering endearments.

But his words made my skin crawl with fear.

"You knew everything."

Julio kissed my cheek firmly. "Ashley, you're too transparent. Your thoughts are written all over your face."

I touched my face automatically. Was I really that easy to read?

"Hahahaha!" Julio burst out laughing.

He grabbed my chin again, pulling me into another kiss.

"You're adorable!"

I punched him in the nose. Julio yelped and covered his face with both hands.

I flipped him off. "Fuck you!"

The absolute nerve of this psychopath!

"Oh, Ashley, you're welcome to come fuck me!" Julio called after me.

I wanted to murder him. I pushed past him and headed out of the cabin onto the deck.

I needed air. Space. Ocean breeze to cool the rage burning through my veins.

I couldn't stay near Julio another second. I'd actually kill him if I did.

After walking the deck until my heartbeat slowed, I found the restaurant. A server pointed the way.

One o'clock. I was starving.

I loaded a plate with pasta, fried eggs, and grilled meat. Through the windows, I spotted Julio on the outside patio. The dealer from earlier stood with him.

The dealer's posture screamed respect. Almost subservience.

They knew each other. They must have worked together at the table. Some trick to guarantee Julio's win.

I moved closer to the patio. The glass door stood open. Their voices carried clearly.

"Warner's in the basement. We'll teach him a proper lesson. Don't worry, boss."

Boss?!

I pressed my hand over my mouth to stop the gasp.

Julio owned this casino.